Two Wichitans hope idea for location-based marketing will take off [The Wichita Eagle :: ]

(Wichita Eagle (KS) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) June 24--Take this for what it's worth, but two Wichitans say they have an idea that will revolutionize -- well, a lot.

Dan Boone and Ora Johnson of Frontier International Technologies say their idea for location-based marketing will link your smartphone and GPS so you get advertising and services based on your location.

Their technology, as envisioned, is that after you download an app onto your smartphone and drive down Rock Road or through downtown, you would see daily restaurant specials or make reservations for next weekend.

The idea is that you would get services and information for a business when you are within a half-mile.

The possibilities go on and on, they said. It could mean ordering tickets on the way to the movies, getting bags checked in before arriving at the airport, or reserving a book at the library.

"There are so many different applications," said Boone, who is in marketing for an automobile wholesaler in Wichita.

"Standing in line is over," said Johnson, a store manager for a cellphone company.

They said they have spent a lot of time making contacts so that the company can ramp up fast, when the moment comes.

And that moment is close, Boone said. They've researched the intellectual property and say they've filed an application for a patent.

But, Boone said, they need $250,000 to pay the cost of completing the patent, doing the coding, drawing and specifications, and providing working capital.

Johnson and Boone said location marketing is one of the hot things in advertising right now. Some really big companies in technology are working furiously to develop applications.

Although location-based marketing isn't new, Boone and Johnson say they aren't reinventing existing technology, but rather creating new technology.

Once they get the patent, Boone said, they have investors who are willing to help the company grow quickly.

Boone can be reached at 316-516-1587 or dboone56@att.net.

Reach Dan Voorhis at 316-268-6577 or dvoorhis@wichitaeagle.com. Follow him on Twitter: @danvoorhis.